AN: This story can either be read before or after my other Gargoyle story. I think it lends itself to being done either way because of how it was written…..anyhoo read and enjoy….don't forget to review, THANKS!

To Fantastiggerisch, Lady Shadow92 and Daphneshaggydoo….thanks for reading Reality and I hope you like a Midsummer's Evening.

"I said no Elisa and that's final. You are staying here and I am going alone."

"You need back up Matt."

"Then I'll find someone who can shoot using the hand they usually favor and stand on both legs."

"I've done this job in worse conditions."

"Goliath." Matt Bluestone turned to the only one he knew could convince Elisa to see things his way. He knew that regardless of the significant difference in the way they express their love for each other, they both cared very deeply about the other. He knew that Goliath's love for her would let him agree with him, rather than side with her.

"I agree with Matt, Elisa. You are in no condition to be out on the streets. You need rest."

"Traitor!" Elisa turned the chair she was sitting in to face the patio. She looked out at the stars, listening to the door slam shut as Matt left. She could feel him looking at her and she denied her first impulse to turn around.

"You were very mean to Matt. You owe him an apology; he was only looking out for your best interests."

Elisa snorted while maintaining her position. She refused to look at him and acknowledge his statement. She didn't need a babysitter or another father; they needed to understand that. She was an adult and they needed to treat her as such.

"Elisa." Goliath began approaching her and she turned away once again. Rather than continue to gain her attention, he began walking away. "You can't ignore me forever. When you decide you want to speak to me, I'll be out on the patio." He opened the patio door, stepping out, closing the door behind him. He sat in the extra large lounge chair she had bought for him, which had been reinforced for his weight, as had all the furniture in her home. As he sat, his mind immediately went to the reason she was in this mess.

She had been coming out of a restaurant when she noticed an oncoming car about to hit a young girl. As Elisa rushed to the girl's side, a bike messenger not watching where he was going hit her. She sprained her wrists, breaking her fall and twisted her left ankle while pushing the girl from the street.

In the hospital, her wrists were set and an x-ray of her angle revealed a fracture, which split, leaving a small piece of bone in her blood. Before the doctors could go in to remove it, Elisa spiked a fever and they had to wait. He watched from the window as she lay extremely still. It was morning when her fever broke, and he was asleep but by that night when he had awakened she was back to herself. He saw her laughing with her sister and father and was glad to hear that she would be released in two days.

She'd been home for a day when Matt stopped by, having returned from a trip out of town. When his beeper went off, she'd been ready to go and that was how they had ended up here. He turned his head to look in on her and she buried her head in the chair to avoid looking at him. He smiled turning around. It wasn't in her nature to be so petty but he understood that she hated not being able to do her job. He was scared watching her lie so still in the hospital and he decided that night that he would protect her forever. She was his castle, as was this city. He looked up at the stars as he had done for several years.

Moments later, he heard the patio door open and close behind him. Elisa stepped quietly until she stood before him. He beckoned her into his lap and she quietly complied, curling up as he wrapped his wings around to keep out the breeze.

"Are you still mad at me Elisa?"

"You mean are you still a traitor? Yes, you are but I know your doing it for my own good."

Goliath accepted his minimal win with a kiss to her forehead. She snuggled into him falling asleep instantly.